Elmwood Theatre

The Elmwood is now closed.

My Junior High School graduation was held in the huge auditorium several years before it was divided by four. I can't recall much about it's interior architectural elements, however. I'd been back to see movies there while it was a quartet, but as I recall, any ornamentation in the auditoriums were either stripped away or concealed during the conversion.

The Rock Community Church is currently renovating the building. It looks like the Elmwood will be, pardon the pun, "saved."

I want to restore & reopen The Elmwood. Does ANYONE have any ideas on how I can start this process? I like a good church as much as the next person however, I think it would be a crying shame to see that great theatre turned into a roadside bible-beater's club. Any ideas? Contact me at: belind1068@aol.com

Thanks!

The 2,200-seat Elmwood was designed by architect John Schladitz and first opened in 1928 under the name of the Queensboro Theatre. It was the first theatre in Queens in the so-called "atmospheric" style, with the auditorium walls similar to those of a medieval castle, and the ceiling like the midnight sky, with twinkling stars and floating clouds. Due to its independent ownership and the then under-populated neighborhood, the Queensboro was never successful and was closed more often than open during the Depression and the WWII era. In 1946, the Interboro Circuit purchased it and re-opened it as the Elmwood Theatre, with slight change to the auditorium but with a new and modern marquee, boxoffice and entrance lobby. As the neighborhood rapidly grew after WWII, the Elmwood began to prosper, mainly because it could offer free parking in the empty "lots" behind the theatre...The new church ownership seems "solid as a rock," and I doubt that there is any chance of the building being re-converted into a theatre. But I do know that the new owners are trying to restore some of the original interior decor, which was heavily damaged during the multiplexing.

Passed the theatre yesterday. STOP WORK order from the buildings department on the door. I hope the Rock Community Church does not abandon the theatre and move elsewhere.

I remember seeing Pulp Fiction here. Back in 1999: I seen South Park in mid-august with no air-conditioning,that theatre was hot as hell.

The Elmwood used to be so well maintained except in its last few years when its closing was pending and a new mega-plex planned for across the street in the Queens Center. That all fell through the Elmwood and magnificent Trylon sit shuttered.

In 2001 I moved into Rego Park, the neighborhood “next door” to Elmhurst, and “discovered” the Elmwood Theatre for myself on my first walk to the Queen's Center mall. I have since watched with dismay what seemed like the slow death of yet another New York treasure. I could never bring myself to see any of the movies that played there while it was still open; from the shabby treatment of the exterior (marquee, lobby and ticket booth encased in cheap generic siding) I got a sense that the interior was probably trashed beyond hope; what did give me some hope that this grand old dame might survive was the news in these commentaries. I just passd the theatre this afternoon and saw that the sidwalk around it is now boarded off. Is this a sign of renovation or demolition?

P.S., another local “ghost” theater I have kept my eye on is the beautiful little deco palace the Trylon. One would think that Queensborough Hall would go out of its way to salavage a relic of the era of the fabled 1939 World's Fair, especially they are so keen these days to promote the legacy of the old Fairgrounds as the possible site of the 2012 Olympics. And does anyone know the identity of the movie theater once occupying the space which is now the Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant on Woodhaven Blvd.? There's still a marquee... looks like a duotone brick Deco from the 30s or 40s...

the name of the treatre where joeAbbracciamento is was the drake theater
it was seen in howard stern's private parts

After visiting the site today during a church service, I'm happy to report that the renovation has progressed greatly since my last view about six months ago. Believe it or not, the quadding has been undone and the building is again a single auditorium with orchestra and balcony floors. Unfortunately, there was so much scaffolding and protective canvas that I couldn't see much more than bare walls. Since the interior of the Elmwood was "modernized" even before sub-dividing began, I doubt that much, if any, of the Queensboro's orginal Medieval Castle decor remains, although I do know that some of it was hidden by pleated draperies. Renovation of the entrance is also proceeding, with removal of the boxoffice and aluminum display cases that were installed in 1946 for the Elmwood's opening. Some of the original stone walls of the Queensboro are now exposed. The marquee seems in the process of being dismantled. Meanwhile, some of the original neon tubing from the 1946 marquee, later covered by sheet metal borders, are now evident again.

When was the elmwood divided up into four theaters? I had seen a few movies there, the last one back in the mid 80's was "Back to the Future". For the life of me, I can't remember if it already was chopped up. I think I remember it being one theater at that time, but it's nearly 20 years ago, so really can't really say for sure.

I'm not sure of the dates, but it was first twinned, upstairs and down, and those two auditoriums were later sub-divided for a total of four. My guess is that Interboro did the original twinning, and then Loew's added the other two after it acquired the theatre, but I could be wrong.

When Loews bought the Elmwood from Interboro it was still a huge single. The twinning was done around the time of Blue Lagoon. It also was a triplex for awhile If I remember right. I think they split the downstairs in half and left upstairs alone for awhile. The problem was Interboro had long ago painted the whole interior royal blue totally covering up any gilding or ornateness.

A rare backside view of the theatre when it was originally known as the Queensboro can be seen at www.queensboard.com/photopg3.html The sign on the rear wall was later painted over to read "Elmwood Theatre," with "Free Parking" in smaller letters under that. As you can see from this photo, the theatre had a roof sign facing Queens Boulevard from its beginning.

The Rock Community Church is trying to restore the Elmwood to its original beauty. They have already installed a new ceiling, and they are going to duplicate the Spanish Castle that is surrounding the stage area. Half of the castle was destroyed due to the lack of maintenance through the years. If anyone has pictures, I am sure they could use them while trying to restore the interior.

I gave them pictures about two years ago, which are possibly the only ones in existence of the interior. They were originally published in a trade magazine when the theatre opened as the Queensboro in 1928. I'm sorry to learn that half of the castle effect was destroyed, but it consisted of two nearly identical turrets at either side of the stage, so it should be fairly easy to build a replica.

During the 60s, I lived in Rego Park when the Trylon, Drake and Elmwood were in full operation. They were all maintained with the Elmwood getting the first run films. I remember seeing THE CINNCINATI KID at the Elmwood one afternoon when all of New York was at a stanstill because of the subway strike, and I also remember seeing the ticket seller with lit candle sitting guard in the Drake's ticket booth the night of the first blackout. I agree the Trylon is too great a treasure too loose.

Too loose or tight, the Trylon is too great great a treasure to lose.

When Viva Las Vegas played there, I believe it was Dorothy Kilgallen who commented in her column that she might be witnessing the end of an era, because she noticed that they billed Ann-Margaret over Elvis Presley.

In May, 1998, AMC announced plans to build a huge multiplex on the opposite side of Queens Boulevard from the Elmwood, on land adjacent to the Georgia Diner. The plex would have 30 screens, a total seating capacity of 7,450, and underground parking for 1,000 cars. Whatever happened to that project?

That plan was scrapped along with the plan Loews had that made them let the Elmwood go. That area is soooo congested with traffic, and alot of the Forest Hills crowd wont venture that far when we have the Midway and Cinemart.

I'm a reporter working on a story about renovations at the Elmwood and I would love include some people's memories of what the place was like when the theater was open.

Does this mean the Elmwood is reopening as a theater?

I remember the Elmwood being quite ornate on the inside. I haven't been in the theater since 1985 when I saw the last movie I saw in the theater, "Back to the Future". Part of the fun of the movies was actually looking at all the intricate details before the lights went out, and the movie started.
I am also curious, does this mean they are renovating the Elmwood as a theater? That would sure be good news.

The Elmwood is NOT being returned to showing movies. The church that now owns it is merely renovating the interior and trying to restore some of the orginal decor, much of which was destroyed in the multiplexing...The seating capacity in the introduction is incorrect. When it first opened in 1928 as the Queensboro, the theatre had 2,200 seats. When renovated in 1946 as the Elmwood, two rows of seats were removed from the rear of the orchestra to create a larger foyer for a refreshments area. I doubt if more than 100 seats were lost.

The building is currently owned by Faith Ministries, Inc., and has a market value of $1.4 million, according to NYC property records.

Is this where the RCC is now located? Interesting. It has been a while since I last heard that name. The Rock Community Church. Do they have a website? If so, I'd be interested in knowing what it is. They are the ones who brought me into the Christian faith and also made me leave; but I'm curious to see how they are doing five years later. If anyone has any information on their website, please post it up. Thanks.

The Rock Community Church, C.P., has indeed moved into the former Elmwood Theatre space. They don't have a web site, but they do have an active phone # - 718.651.2950.

I'm glad to see they're moving up in the world. I remember when they were located at that dinky little basement spot on Roosevelt Ave., although the Crazy chicken people next door used to love them being there. It was so good for business. I guess the Crazy chicken people got fried! in terms of business. Bad joke. I know. Thanks for the feedback. I'm wondering who the pastor is now and which of the old-school members are still there? Would you happen to know this?

I don't, unfortunately; I Googled them and found only their street address and phone number.

If anyone else has more information, without me having to actually go there, let me know.

In the 70's the Elmwood, Keiths and Meadows were the big 3 in Queens. Movies like The Godfather opened in these houses to never ending lines. The manager of the RKO Keiths told me for The Godfather the begining of the line met the end all around the block. If anyone has ever been to The Keiths they know how stupendous this was.

C.P. Pastor Lydia Withrow is in charge of the Queens RCC church. There are still a lot of people in the church that have been around since the "basement" days. I am interested in your story with RCC. They have been renovating the Elmwood. For those interested in the renovation of the Elmwood, they are suppose to open the whole floor back up on December 5, 2004.

My story in RCC was quite complicated. I was there for several years and experienced when many people came and went. There was a point in my life where I considered them my "family" above my own. I don't regret taking part in the church and playing a role in their activites, even managing one or two, but over time, as I saw many things that disturbed me mentally and even questioned my faith, I decided that the best thing for me to do was move on to another church where I wouldn't be as involved, especially in power struggles and internal beliefs that I did not morally agree to.
I have much respect for Pastor Withrow for bringing in people seeking to find themselves and their calling. Despite the negativity that surrounded the church when I left, at least she gave Latinos something to believe in instead of them finding the wrong answers out on the streets of Jackson Heights. Were you at the church during the "basement" times? If so, we most certainly know each other. What is your story at the Rock? Do the CrossRoads cafe still exist? Are there still talent shows going on to bring in the youth? Do you know who are the people who are still there from the basement days? I was quite fond of a few of them and if they are still there, I'd like to know how they're doing years later.

Hola Rockeros. Anyone out there?

Anyone know my beautiful Colombian ex-girl Maribel? She used to go to La Roca.

Marisabel, sorry. I she saw me mistake her name with another ex of mine, she'd hurt me.

CP, what is your real name? I'm a La Roca Veteran I'm curious to know....

What's yours?

e-mail at heiscallingyou@yahoo.com we can talk mroe there.

During a visit today, I witnessed a miracle. Although work is still going on and probably won't be finished for a long time, the auditorium is now one again, and much of the original decor is intact, but in need of cleaning and re-painting. The medieval castle design of the stage area is at least two-thirds there. The remaining third was covered by scaffolding and canvas, and I couldn't see behind it. But what one can see is the full stage, and the castle tower to the right of it. The now hidden part to the left of the stage was a matching tower. These two towers are attrached by a windowed bridge that spans the top of the stage. The bridge is also intact, but I couldn't see any evidence of its original stained glass windows. I hope to return soon to try to snap some photos.

The "Also known as" listing above the theatre's name should include Queensboro, which was its original from 1928 opening to 1946 re-christening as Elmwood.

Ahhh! Yes, I dimly recall the original name. One of my aunts and her family lived in the neighborhood on 61 Road near Woodhaven Blvd. At some early point in my annals of visiting her, I remember the theater took on a new identity, but I was never quite sure why. You've solved the mystery for me! And, yes, it's a miracle that the theater still stands and its decor is intact.

Did many other theaters undergo a change of name as the Elmwood did?

Is this theater reopening?

It's now a place of worship known as The Rock Church, which has a predominantly Hispanic membership. It will not be re-opening as a theatre, although groups connected with the church will sometimes use it for concerts, meetings, etcetera...From its opening in 1928, the Queensboro was a flop and often closed during the Depression years. When the Interboro Circuit took over in 1946, it probably decided that it was best to start fresh with a new name. Many theatres had name changes over the years. Another in Elmhurst started as the Victoria and ended as the Newtown.

The Elmwood was a magnificent theater. I lived in Forest Hills and we had The Midway, Forest Hills, Inwood (later; Cinemart) and Continental so ot had to be a good movie to be worth a subway ride.

I recall the stars on the ceiling and castle on the walls from my earliest visits to The Elnwood. Later on, the theater was much more plain after it had become what I think was a triple.

Better a church than torn down.

I like in Astoria and would head out to The Elmwood when there were two movies playing I wanted to see because Queens theaters, unlike Manhattan theaters, have bargain matinees on weekday and Saturday afternoons. So it would pay for me to go the the Elmhurst and see two movies. I too caught "Pulp Fiction" the day after it opened. I remember suffering the ignominy the night before of not only not getting into the Angelika to see the film, but of getting stood up by my date. Oy vey. That "Pulp Fiction" screening I attended was on 10/22/94. The other film I caught that day there was "The Shawshank Redemption."

Here is a rare image of the theatre's original atmospheric decor as the Queensboro. The stage is bordered by two castle turrets, with a bridge with stained glass windows connecting them. The safety curtain depicts the entrance to the castle. The castle motif was also used in the advertising logo for the Queensboro:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/123-2399_IMG.jpg
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/124-2415_IMG.jpg

For my collection, it would mean a lot to me if someone can please send me some scans showing the Elmwood Theatre as a work in progress. My e-mail is unlockthevault@hotmail.com The Rock Community Church is doing a superb job in preserving & restoring the Elmwood, but does anyone have an idea as to when work will be completed? Wooden boards surround the front for a while now. I hope to see the base restored as well, & the graffiti on top eliminated. Thank you, RCC for reusing the old theater space, & embellishing its ornate character & Queensboro Theatre day's glory!!! Any chance of designating it a landmark?

The church has limited funds, so the repair work is an ongoing project and may never be finished, or will at least take many years. To the best of my knowledge, it is not a "restoration." They are trying to keep some of the original Queensboro decor when they find it, but some was lost forever and it would be too expensive to duplicate. What do you mean by "as a work in progress?" What has been done since the church took over the Elmwood, or what was done since the Queensboro was renovated into the Elmwood in 1946?

Here's an ad from 1930. By the time of the Fox Kew Gardens' conversion to a miniature golf course, the Queensboro was also tottering. Vaudeville had been withdrawn, and the late-run movie programs were changing three times a week. For the next 16 years, the Queensboro would be closed more often than open. And its open periods were usually devoted to stage plays or rentals as a bingo hall:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/132-3263_IMG.jpg

saw king kong, indiana jones and the temple of doom, broadway danny rose, fun with dick and jane, blue thunder, pulp fiction, one of teh freedy kruger flicks, menace to society and many others there. almost saw the crow there. but i got there too late. boo hoo.

Here's a 1946 image, taken about two months after the Queensboro opened under its new name of Elmwood. If I recall correctly, the name on the marquee was in reddish orange neon, and all the flashing neon borders were in that color and green. In later years, all of the neon was removed except from the name. The borders were covered over in chrome steel. The Elmwood's boxoffice was moved to the sidewalk. The Queensboro boxoffice had been in the entrance lobby:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/137-3773_IMG.jpg

I remember there was a karate school in the offices above the lobby. As I stated way back in 2003 at the top of this entry, my Junior High School graduation ceremonies were held here in June of 1979. Odd, since my school was all the way in Fresh Meadows (but the Century Meadows was already a twin by then). The movie that was playing at the time of the graduation was the rather poor nature-gone-wrong horror flick "The Prophecy" (which I actually saw at the Meadows).

I remember seeing several of the "Star Trek" movies here, including the first one (my second time seeing it, since I had seen it opening day of the Sunrise Cinemas multiplex in Valley Stream). The very last movie I ever saw here was also a "Star Trek" movie - "First Contact" in '96. It was after a holiday party for the office that a bunch of us decided to head to the Elmwood and see if we could catch a flick. We settled on "First Contact" (which I had seen already). There was a showing starting up in a few minutes, but we were hungry and needed to eat first. So, we decided to buy tickets for the next showing about 45 minutes later (it was playing in two separate auditoriums) which was the last scheduled screening at like 11:30 or something. So, we chowed down at the pizza place (or small diner, I forget) located next to the lobby and then headed back in for the movie.

When we got inside, the ticket taker told us that the movie had already started and was about 35 to 40 minutes in already... We looked at him puzzled and said that we had tickets for the 11:30 show... But it turns out they decided not to cancel the 11:30 show because the theater was completely empty and it was a Thursday night and they were closing up early! The manager was very nice and apologetic and explained we had the only 3 tickets to any of the 3 movies that were scheduled to start after 11 pm that night. So, he gave us a refund and offered to let us into the theater anyway to catch the end of the movie. We were still sort of intoxicated and up for the movie, so we took him up on his offer and settled in for the last hour or so of the flick!

That was my last time inside the theater. I look forward to visiting again soon as the renovations progress. I'm dying to see what they've recovered and what they're able to restore of the original Queensboro design! I hope they plan on keeping the huge rooftop sign in place. It's a local landmark.

My mistake... that should read that "they decided to cancel the 11:30 show" in the 3rd paragraph. The word "not" doesn't belong.

Interesting story, Ed! Thank you for sharing it!!! It will be great to find out what they unearth while attempting to restore the Elmwood to its original Queensboro design. I will try to assist them in the near future, after my Committee To Save The Trylon Theater's endeavors. The Elmwood is a local landmark, but technically speaking, every building is especially endangered in Queens, without official landmark status. My committee will encourage it to be designated!!!

I visited the theatre several weeks ago during a church service. Progress is slow, but original details of the stage and the right turret are becoming more obvious. Their biggest problem seems to be what to do about the left turret, which was destroyed during the multiplexing. A church usher told me that they hope to build an exact replica, but that it will take time for them to raise the money to do so. At present, there is no seating on the ground floor except for folding chairs. The balcony has apparently been returned to its original formation, but no visiting is allowed for the moment.

Thanks for that update, Warren. I'm guessing you weren't able to take any photos... was this because you didn't bring your camera or because they wouldn't allow photographs?

And I'm glad you enjoyed the story, NativeForestHiller. My memory is often quite hazy, but I love sharing what I can recollect from my movie-going experiences.

Oh, and by the way... shouldn't this entry be updated to include the Queensboro Theater as a previous name? I'm surprised that wasn't done a while back.

I lived on Junction Blvd. from 1963 to the mid-70s, and my parents always checked the papers to see what was playing at the Elmwood, Drake, Trylon, Midway, and Continental. My most vivid memory of the Elmwood is seeing Woodstock there...I was totally unprepared for the volume; don't know if they beefed up the sound system for that or what, but it almost literally blew me away! Also saw Chinatown there -- for the second time.
(Besides the theaters mentioned above, there was another local venue at that time: The UA Theatre on 99th St. in the Lefrak City shopping center. It opened some time in the late 60s and never seemed to have a name -- it was just "UA Theatre." And it didn't last very long.)

Here's an exterior shot of the Elmwood in early 1970, when it was still a single-screen theater and the feature was Woody Allen's "Take the Money and Run." What's amazing is how little the facade has changed in 35 years!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3/jpm55/Elmwood70.jpg

Hi Jeffrey (& other Cinema Treasures fans)! Thank you very much for a great contribution. What a treasure! It is remarkable as to how little the facade has changed over the past 3 decades. Recently, the new owners removed aluminum siding to reveal the original facade on the first story. After I finish pursuing my Committee To Save The Trylon Theater preservation effort, I will try to assist the owners of the Elmwood in the restoration of the exterior & nomination for the Nat'l Register of Historical Places, which may assist them with grants & tax credits. The NY Landmarks Conservancy has some worthwhile programs as well. At some point, I hope to convince the LPC to designate this unique gem!!! My fellow members should encourage the same.

The facade is little changed since the theatre first opened as the Queensboro in 1928, which is 77 years ago! Even the roof sign is the original framework built for the Queensboro. All that was changed was the name. The marquee, however, is from 1946, though it was installed over the framework for the Queensboro's. I don't know whether the church intends to remove the marquee. So far it remains in place as work continues on the Hoffman Drive entrance, which is still closed for renovations. Parishoners have been using the side exit doors on 57th Avenue.

Native... Wouldn't the missing interior elements hinder any efforts to convince the LPC to designate this building a landmark? Not that I wouldn't want to see it happen.

Nice photo, Jeffrey... if you had another shot that panned to the left, you'd see one of my favorite places to grab a burger when I was a kid - Wetson's! Anyone remember that burger joint? When I was a kid living in Elmhurst in those years (say '68-'72) it wasn't McDonald's and Burger King but Wetson's and Jack in the Box. I had this memory as a child that the Wetson's was on the median in the middle of Queens Blvd right where it intersected with the LIE, but later realized that it couldn't have been. I think it was located on the small strip between Queens Blvd and Hoffman Drive a couple of blocks to the east of the Elmwood. Anyway, that chain is long gone and probably isn't coming back, but hopefully the Elmwood will be back (though not as a movie house) in all its original beauty and will be around for years to come.

EdSolero, I also remember eating at Wetson's, both in that location and others. I think they went out of business in the mid-to-late 70s...in fact, I seem to recall that whoever owned them turned many of the Wetson's locations into Nathan's franchises, but those didn't really pan out either, and now Nathan's locations are mostly in malls. I'm pretty sure the Queens Blvd. Wetson's was indeed a little to the east, on an "island" between St. John's Hospital and the Long Island Expressway service road. I'll keep looking through my photos...it's possible more Elmwoods or a Wetson's might show up!

Warren, the 2002 photo looks like the marquee had been replaced; I'm assuming they changed it when the theater was divided. Was there really anything left of the one from 1946, other than the underlying steel?

In these two panoramic shots from December 1968, you can see the Elmwood, though not very well. In this one, http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3/jpm55/1968DecQueensCen2.jpg, it's at the extreme right, in front of the then-ubiquitous Elmhurst gas tanks. EdSolero, if you look very closely at the exact center of that photo, you can just make out a slanted roof with orange trim -- that's Wetson's. In the second photo, http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3/jpm55/1968DecQueensCen1.jpg, the Elmwood is just right of center. St. John's Hospital is the large building in the middle. Both of these photos show the largely empty area on Queens Blvd. across from the Elmwood -- then occupied by the big-boxy Food Parade supermarket, Fairyland Amusement Park, and some gas stations -- that would become Queens Center Mall within a few years. The majority of the foreground is the large commuter parking lot on which I think the mall was later expanded. I'm not that familiar with what they did there; is that where the multiplex is now?

Sorry about that...I don't know why those links aren't working. Let's try that again.
First Photo:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3/jpm55/1968DecQueensCen2.jpg
Second Photo:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3/jpm55/1968DecQueensCen1.jpg
According to my preview, these should work.

Hi Ed! To answer your question, landmarking would automatically apply to the exterior of the Elmwood, unless the interior was emphasized in a Request For Evaluation (RFE) form.

Enjoying my trip down memory lane!!!

Jeffrey... thanks for those images! I am not aware of a multiplex in this vicinity. The 6 story white building on the left in both photos (it is partially obscured by a foreground apartment building in the 1st photo) is still there right where the Queens Blvd exit ramp on the westbound LIE leaves you. There used to be a Sam Goody as well as a big chain bookstore (can't recall which one) located in the ground floor of that building. Anyway, everything to the right of that building along Queens Blvd (and directly facing the Elmwood and St. John's Hospital) was part of the original Queens Center Mall construction. The Mall has since been expanded to the east (covering the parking lots in the center of each photo), but there is no multiplex within the center.

Were these photos taken from the Lefrak office building on Junction Blvd or perhpaps from one of the apartment buildings across the steet from it?

As for the marquee... the one depicted in your 1969 image was still intact when my Jr High graduation ceremonies were held at the Elmwood in 1979. I have a photo or two somewhere from in front of the theater that might show a glimpse of the marquee and facade... but then, if I scanned and posted them, eveyrone would see whatever dorky hairdo and period clothing I was wearing at the time!!! I'm not sure the marquee was ever entirely replaced with the multiplexing, but at the very least some flashing was installed to obscure the original neon trim and red "ELMWOOD" lettering.

You're right about Nathan's taking over Wetson's! That didn't last very long, although there are still a couple of standalone Nathan's on Long Island (right outside the Herricks Theater on Hillside Ave for one). I remember a Roy Rogers restaurant occupied that spot for a number of years. Not sure what's there right now. And Jack in the Box became Jack's - where they specialized in taco's and other fast food variations on Mexican fare - which was in turn put out of business by the success of Taco Bell. Last Jack's I recall was on Norhtern Blvd in Flushing/Auburndale.

My remark about the multiplex was based on the comment at the top, "A plan to demolish the theater after the creation of an 18-screen megaplex nearby stalled," and I wasn't sure if what had stalled was the plan to demolish the theater, or the creation of the multiplex. However, after re-reading the subsequent posts, I see that the plan to build a multiplex--which had grown to 30 screens!--was abandoned.

The ground floor of the white building, around the '68 period, housed a Chemical Bank, a Chinese restaurant, and an "Anna Kalsø's Earth Shoe" store. I think I remember the Sam Goody's coming in a bit after those, although I'm pretty sure I bought a replacement phonograph cartridge in that Goody's. (As I write these sentences, I'm wondering if anybody under 30 will understand a single reference other than "Chinese restaurant"!)

I lived on the 4th floor of the 6-story Rego Park Gardens building at 57-10 Junction Blvd., but my windows faced the Junction Blvd. side. I took these photos on what might have been the only occasion when I was in our next-door neighbor's apartment, which faced the rear of the building. As best I can recall, when I saw the view out of their window, I raced back to get my camera. (Anticipating, of course, the development of the Internet and how useful the photos would become!)

Jeffrey... I attended P.S. 16 on -- was it 57th Ave? -- for 3rd grade in '72-'73. I remember I used to take the city bus down Junction Blvd by myself from the house on 41st Avenue to get to this school. The principal was Mr. Zoller. After school, I used to go across Junction Blvd to the pizzeria that was right off the corner there and, with a dollar bill, I'd order two slices, a small coke and have a dime left over for the juke-box. Just about every day I would play one of 3 tunes: "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night, "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John or "You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)" which was The Beatles' B-side to the "Let it Be" single.

Do you recall that pizzeria? I can't think of the name. It may have been right on the northeast corner of Junction and 57th, but in my memory it was a door or two up Junction from the actual corner. I remember that 57th didn't quite line up plumb as it crossed Junction, with the east side of the intersection shifted slightly to the south from the west side. You could have probably seen the joint from your apartment windows.

As I write this, it also strikes me that I was of an awfully tender young age to have been riding a city bus and crossing a major thoroughfare like Junction Blvd all by myself, but those were different times. The streets of Elmhurst were a bit safer than they probably are now and parents weren't quite as overprotective of their children as they most certainly are these days. In any event, I survived the daily routine for an entire school year and can't recall a single untoward incident. It's amazing how visiting this site and thinking about a particular movie theater can stir so many unrelated memories. I love it... keeps me sharp! Thanks for indulging me once again.

The marquee installed for the Elmwood in 1946 is still there (until the church decides on its future). The only changes have been removal of neon borders, which were replaced by stainless steel or chrome, I'm not sure which.

EdSolero: I certainly do recall that pizzeria. It was called Pizza Pit, and was indeed in from the corner on Junction. I have quite a few photos of that corner. I will let you know when I can get them onto PhotoBucket -- but in the meantime, check out the Photo Gallery at The Queens Board (http://queensboard.com/) -- especially pages 3 and 4; I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. (However, I'm not familiar with any P.S. 16. I attended P.S. 13, which was between 55th and 56th Aves on 94th St., from 1963-66; it sounds like I was about 10 years ahead of you.)

Jeffrey... you are correct. It was P.S. 13, so my memory is a bit off. Is it 56th Ave that Justice Ave feeds into near the old Macy's? If so, this is the street the school was on. About a block in from Junction. Now that I think about it, the block the school was on came to an end at Junction... so if that sounds like 56th Ave then that was it. I'll check out that queensboard site. Thanks.

Ed, an off topic thing, you mentioned "Jack's" in flushing which was the last one to go, while visiting my sister in law in Housten Tx. I found there to be a Jack's on every other block. Gotta love those greasy tacos! Too bad there isnt a fantasy land where there is an old theater every other block.

Hi!
Does anyone have a phone number or e-mail address for the Rock Community Church, which is housed in the Elmwood Theatre? Please post or e-mail unlockthevault@hotmail.com Thanking you in advance!

A Google search turned up:
Rock Community Church
(718) 651-2950
5702 Hoffman Dr
Flushing, NY 11373

Hi Jeffrey! Thank you very much for your help!!!

Does anyone know the latest about happenings at the Elmwood? I haven't heard anything recently and am wondering how work on the church is moving along. I'm also a bit worried that some history inside could be destroyed.

Does anyone know the latest about happenings at the Elmwood? I haven't heard anything recently and am wondering how work on the church is moving along. I'm also a bit worried that some history inside could be destroyed.

Does anyone know the latest about happenings at the Elmwood? I haven't heard anything recently and am wondering how work on the church is moving along. I'm also a bit worried that some history inside could be destroyed.

Cinemaguy, please note my post above of 11/05/05...While passing by on a bus yesterday (1/01/06), I noticed that the entire front of the building, from sidewalk to roof, has been covered by metal scaffolding. Perhaps to repair/restore the decorative stone work, whch hasn't been little attended to since the Queensboro Theatre first opened in 1928.

Thanks Warren! If anyone sees anything else going on there, I'd appreciate a post here so I know about it. I remember going to the Elmwood about 6 or 7 years ago.

There's a good photo of the Elmwood exterior undergoing renovations at http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/citywide/theaters/index.htm, if you scroll down that page of theater photos. Unfortunately, what's infuriating about Bridge and Tunnel Club is they post no captions or explanations whatsoever. Although they provide a link to Cinema Treasures, they have a whole page of great photos of ex-NYC movie palaces with no way to tell which theaters half of them are!

Jeffrey, have you been to that link lately? It might have been re-structured since your last visit. I could not bring up a page of theater photos. I could only find the Elmwood photo under the link for Elmhurst. I might be able to identify some of the other theaters if I knew where the photos were.

Warren, here's the theater link. If you hold the mouse pointer over the photos, without pressing, it will automatically give the address of the location of the theaters:

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/citywide/theaters/index.htm

Thanks, I can connect to it now. What a difference a comma seems to make!

Warren, I just went to that link and I get the whole page of unidentified photos, with the Elmwood as the fifth one down. Bway, I can't get that to happen with my mouse. I suspect these differences are probably because I'm on a Mac and using the Safari browser.

Ah yes, it could be your browser or the settings on your computer.
When I just leave the pointer over the photos, the location comes up in a little white box.

An article about the renovations was published in today's NY Daily News:
www.nydailynews.com/01-19-2006/boroughs/story/383881p-325879c.html

Good article. I see you are quoted Warren!

Yes! Nice job, Warren.

Hi Warren! I see we were both quoted. You did a superb job, & reporter Nicholas Hirshon wrote a solid piece!!! Hopefully, something should be done right now, prior to a different ownership. I will work on convincing the LPC to landmark the Elmwood in the near future. I still did not give up on the Trylon. It's not an easy battle, but victory is determination! - Michael Perlman

TIMES LEDGER: http://www.timesledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16008646&BRD=2676&PAG=461&dept_id=542415&rfi=8

Church's renovation of theater in Elmhurst saves historic site
By Adam Pincus
01/26/2006

Preservationists are applauding the efforts of a Christian church to convert a historic movie theater in Elmhurst into an auditorium for their congregation, saving a 1928 building that was considered for demolition.

Faith Ministries Inc. has slowly rehabilitated the building, which it purchased in 2002 from Sony Loews Theatres, while holding services at 57-02 Hoffman Dr., which it is calling the Rock Community Church.

"It's great that they are fixing it up," said Richard Italiano, chairman of Community Board 4 which covers Elmhurst and Corona.

The 2,200-seat theater began as a combination movie theater and vaudeville space under the name Queensboro Theatre, although its early years were not easy, writer and historian Warren Harris said.

Harris grew up on a street just behind the theater and said his mother attended opening night when the theater ran a silent version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and several vaudeville routines. But attendance was weak during the Depression and Harris said the building spent much of its first 18 years dark.

The building had its first makeover in 1946, when the name was changed to Elmwood. In 1979 Sony Loews bought the property and subsequently divided the space into four theaters.

In 1999, the possible demolition of the building was included as part of a deal proposed by the Mattone Group to build an 18-theater multiplex in a nearby site. That deal was put on hold, however, and three years later Sony Loews sold the property.

Councilwoman Helen Sears (D-Jackson Heights) said the rehabilitation was good for the neighborhood.
"Anything they do will be an improvement because that facility needed to have repairs," she said.

Michael Perlman, a Queens preservationist, said the theater was a prime example of the borough's ornate movie palaces.
"I am happy that they decided to restore the Elmwood Theatre to its former glory," Perlman said. He noted that other historic theaters, such as the Trylon Theatre in Forest Hills and the RKO Keith's in Flushing, are facing significant alterations as they are renovated.

The Trylon, built for the 1939 World's Fair, is being converted into a Jewish community center; while developers plan to convert RKO Keith's into a mix of residential and commercial uses.

I am a congregant with The Rock Church. You should all know about the treasure that you are seeing. We received this church as a gift from God after years of being "homeless" and no facility.
After years of praying and serving thousands of people in our community through programs for youth and children, theater and social services we received not only the elmwood theater as a home, but also another mega arena in Orlando, Florida that seats 5000 people. The Elmwood theater will be known as the diamond of Queens whose renovation and restoration is being monitored and prepared by some the best architectural minds in the nation. You will shortly see that many will come from all over to participate in our theatrical productions, school and other programs. There will be a formal unveiling of this treasure. Do not worry there will never be another owner of this theater besides the Rock Church.

You deserve it. Fabulous! All the best always!!!

While we are all sad that the Elmwood will no longer be showing movies anymore, I am so glad that it is in good hands in it's new life. May you have many years of happiness in the old theater as your new church. It's the next best thing after it's original use for the building. It's so nice to see it is in loving hands, and not going to be gutted for retail.

Any photos available of the progress inside?

Remember this cute Loew's short?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mpeN9nj2LNQ&search=movie%20theatre

Certainly more charming than any of the current non-trailer "pre-show" reels they play in most theaters today. Thanks for sharing that, Robert. Brought back some memories. I seem to recall that played in the late 1980's or maybe early '90's? Anyone remember that reel that featured Dom DeLuise? I forget which theaters it played in. Possibly Loew's, but maybe the old Redstone or National Amusements? And whatever happened to all those Will Rogers Institute pass-the-hat ads?

I think somebody finally stole the hat.

first movie i saw there was Godfather last movie seen there Golden child with ed murphy.

I have visited The Rock Church in Kissimmee, FL, close to Orlando and can reassure you that it is in great hands. The staff and leadership are doing a marvelous job remodeling the old arena area, lobby and foyer. This added to a high tempo of services every week! It's great to see the dedication and commitment of their awesome staff. The greater Orlando area has many physically and spiritually needy folks just as any metro. They're helping to save more than buildings here. My hat is off for the distance they've come to date and I pray for their continued success supporting the disadvantaged that live in our communities.

Has anyone visited the Elmwood Theatre/Rock Community Church recently & taken photos of the restoration in progress? I would prefer interior shots, although my fellow members might find exterior shots beneficial as well. Much appreciated!

The church will not permit interior photographs, but visitors are welcome during Sunday services, which start around noon and continue for several hours, including fellowship afterwards.

Will they keep the Elmwood sign thats on the roof? It would be nice if they kept it.

It seems as if they will keep the rooftop sign, which will add to the building's distinctive history. The address & phone of the Rock Community Church/Elmwood is as follows:

Rock Community Church
5702 Hoffman Dr
Elmhurst, NY 11373
(718) 651-2950

NYC has this theater listed as a quad back in 1989. The seat count was:

Theater #1-211
Theater #2-483
Theater #3-275
Theater #4-275

I don't understand why the church won't permit interior photographs. You'd think if they're proud of the restoration work, they would be willing to show it off.

The work is far from completed, which might be the reason why photographs are not permitted. There's always a chance that an unflattering photo might get published in a newspaper. Also, many churches forbid picture-taking because it can distract and/or offend worshippers.

Well, I can understand that they don't want photos taken during services, but I wouldn't understand it if it was after services.

Warren's first reason seems more like it in this case.

During a visit yesterday, I found the repair work to be moving slowly but surely. The castle turret to the left of the stage, which was severely damaged during the sub-division of the auditorium, has been fully restored but is not yet open to view due to scaffolding being used for work on an adjacent wall. I was a bit shocked to see that the two side exits in the auditorium have been drastically changed. The medieval ornamentation surrounding the doors was removed. The exits now have peaked roofs, supported by fluted columns at each side. At present, all the walls and ceiling are painted varying shades of white. I don't know whether they'll stay that way or will eventually be re-painted with colors. My overall impression is that the church is trying to retain the original castle design of the stage area, but not committed to restoring the rest of the auditorium to what it was before. Many contemporary lighting fixtures have been installed on the side walls. The balcony is still closed, but work is obviously going on there. The orchestra floor was long ago stripped of seats and still uses folding chairs. The front enrance under the marquee is still closed, and entry is through a side door on 57th Avenue...After leaving, I took another look at the roof sign and noticed that the lower left corner of the "L" in "ELMWOOD" is broken and has a piece missing. I don't know if there are any plans to restore the sign. And even if it is, I doubt that it will ever be lighted again, as the operating costs would be too expensive. And who would pay for it?

Thanks for the update Warren. I'd like to one day get over there myself.
Anyway, as for them retoring the theater, this is probably the best we can hope for. A chirch is a good "after theater" life for a theater, as they are probably one of the best non-theater afterlifes a theater can get, as churches lend themselves well to theaters.

But it also has to be remembered that they have to make the building suitable for their use. That would include much better lighting than a theater would have offered. That is one of the reasons the Valencia had that chandelier added. While a theater can have "mood lighting" when you come in to be able to see to get to your seats, a theater's use is "in nthe dark". While a church must be flooded with light to be able to see readings, hymn books, or whatever they are reading while at service. A church must flood the interior with light, while a movie theater wouldn't need that. That is the reason you are going to see lighting in there, that you never would have seen as a movie theater.

By the way, I haven't been inside the Elmwood Theater since I saw "Back to the Future" there in 1985, so that's over 20 years ago. I can't for the life of me remember if it was "multiplexed" yet by that point. But how was it split up? Why would one of the Turrets have been damaged? Did they cut the orchestra level down the middle? Was the turret damaged when they tried to put a screen on one half? How many screens was the Elmwood cut into?

The Elmwood was first twinned (top and bottom). The two auditoriums were later divided. On the orchestra floor, the right-hand auditorium was wider than the left. The dividing wall was in the vicinity of the left turret, which had to be partially removed to make way for it.

When my Junior High School graduation was held at the Elmwood in June of 1979, the theater was still a single (and playing the horrible monster movie "The Prophecy"). Sometime by the following year, the place was twinned up and down. I don't remember it as a triplex, but by the end of the '80's the theater was a quartet with 2 up and 2 down (see the seat counts Lost Memory provided above on June 3rd).

I "think" it was just a twin when I saw Back to the Future in 1985 there, but I can't guarantee it. I saw Back to the Future Downstairs, and I "think" it was still the whole orchestra level, but like I said, it's over 20 years....

In March of 1982 a c/o was issued for a twin theater at this address. Seating was 1001 seats on the main floor plus 648 seats in the former balcony.

NYC must have been a bit slow in issuing its final C/O's... The theater was definitely in operation as a twin by late 1980 as evidenced by this Movie Clock listing from December of that year:

Daily News 12/14/1980

There could have been temp(s) issued. They just aren't available. All that c/o really tells you is, this theater was a twin by 1982.

The time was late December, 1983. My wife and young son had flown from CA to NY to spend the winter with her parents in Ridgewood. I was able to fly in for a week or so (part business, part pleasure) between Christmas and New Year's Day. Landed at JFK with the temp at a balmy 51. Nice CA weather. That night, it fell to 4 below and stayed around there for the remainder of my trip. $%#@! NY weather.

One evening, my wife suggested we see a movie. I wanted to see Al Cappuccino in "Scarface" at the Ridgewood, but she wasn't up for that one, based on the reviews. Too violent. She did notice, however, that Jean Shepherd's '66 novel, "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash," had been made into "A Christmas Story." She told me and I was sold. (Shepherd, late of WOR radio and top Playboy humorist, was one of my fave writers, then and now.) Taking my youngest sister-in-law with us, off we went by bus in frigid weather to the Elmwood.

Loved the movie, thought it was a tour-de-force hoot. So did my wife. Unfortunately, our sentiments were not shared by her sister. Only when younger brother Randy stuck his face into the mashed potatoes to show his mom how piggies ate did she laugh, but that was it, just that one time. (Shoulda sent her to see "Scarface!"

Later, I was disappointed that "A Christmas Story" hadn't caught on with audiences. It took years and multiple TV viewings. Now it's a holiday classic. (You know that's so when a website pops up to tell you every error in continuity, place and dialog within this low-budget flick. Some people get their jollies in strange ways.)

To demonstrate how miniscule the budget was: Kathy Hawkins, a nurse and former neighbor of mine, had a grandfather in Cleveland where the film was shot. He loaned the director a wind-up tank that is given a decent close-up early on when the kids are oogling all the great Christmas stuff in the window of Higbee's Department Store. For his donation, he and the family received passes to see the movie.

Today, living directly across the street from me, is a pack of dogs that turns on their primitive howling at top volume whenever they hear fire engines nearby. Naturally, my neighbors and I refer to them as...the Bumpus hounds. What else?

Great reminiscence, BrooklynJim -- only incidentally related to the Elmwood, but still nice to hear. I used to listen to Jean Shepherd every night at 10;15 on WOR, and read the book (which was really more of a series of short stories) when I was in 6th grade. But I have to admit, this movie was so far below the radar, I didn't even realize until I saw it on TV years later that it was based on Shepherd's stories!

Yep, Shep's short stories provided the impetus for the film, Jeffrey1955.

Some of my posts, like this one, only incidentally relate to a specific theater. This was my one and only experience at the Elmwood, off the beaten path for me as I moved to CA in '78, but I do recall its severe lack of heating during the late '83 cold snap. Took about a third of the movie for my feet to regain some semblance of feeling! BklynJim became FrostbiteJim.

Two items on Jean you may or may not know. One, he did a cameo in this. Late in the movie when Ralphie returns to the department store to see Santa, he and his brother get on line. A gent in a black overcoat, a fedora and a mustache w/goatee firmly intones, "Hey, kid! The line ends back there!" Listen to the voice - that's Shep.

The second is why in his writings he always referred to his beloved hometown of Hammond, Indiana, "Hohman." Just learned myself that Hohman was the name of a popular movie theater in Hammond! LOL!

I passed by the Elmwood Theater about a week ago and noticed that the glazed terra cotta lintels above the upper windows & beneath the frieze have been minimized. The central portion of each lintel is still present, but what happened to the sides? I also notice that it was carted away since the facade has the imprint where it was removed. I thought the exterior is being restored & the terra cotta is being repaired, since that was what I heard originally. This is shocking! Am I seeing correctly? If you have a chance, pass by the site & then compare it to the photo on top of this thread. Please share your thoughts.

One of the tiny but distinctive ads that the Elmwood used to run in The New York Times after becoming a "first-run" theatre in the spring of 1949. The bookings were first-run for the area, but not for Queens. They were day-and-date with the third tier of Loew's theatres, which comprised the Hillside, Woodside, Willard, Plaza, and Prospect. Loew's Triboro occupied the second tier, and Loew's Valencia played a week ahead of that:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/elmwood49.jpg

I think that the "Also known as" names should include Interboro's Elmwood, since it was the Interboro Circuit that created the Elmwood from the shuttered Queensboro and ran the Elmwood for the largest part of its life as a cinema. It's rather ironic that the Elmwood ended up under Loew's management. Had it not been for the dominance of the Loew's circuit in the 1920s and 30s, the Queensboro Theatre might have been successful. But as an "indie," it had no chance of getting movies until they'd finished their runs on the Loew's and RKO circuits.

Passed by the theater last night on my way home and had my camera with me. Unfortunately, it was getting too dark for me to capture any decent images of the state of the Elmwood's facade. I'll have to get back there in daylight soon! Meanwhile, here are two shots showing the extensive scaffolding that surrounds the facade as well as the rooftop sign:

Corner of 57th and Hoffman
Rooftop sign

The light wasn't sufficient for me to make out the window lintels NativeForestHiller mentioned in his post of June 27th. All that scaffolding didn't help matters. It was just about 9pm when I took these photos and a door down on 57th Ave (just where the construction shedding ends under the fire escapes) and people seemed to be straggling in with bibles in tow for an evening service. I might have popped in had not been pressed for time. I know that taking interior photos is prohibited by the church, but I am curious to see for myself how things are going on the inside. I also now see that I might have been able to snap a detail of the windows above the marquee that are not obscured by scaffolding to investigate Native's concerns, but again, I was a bit pressed for time.

Native... I think we might just have to be patient regarding the nature of the restoration efforts. Could it be that the lintels were in poor shape or posed a falling threat and were removed for safe keeping and/or restoration? I'll try to get better images in proper daylight this week or weekend.

Here is a 2004 photo of the The Rock Church aka former Elmwood theater.

Here's The Daily Star's coverage of the Queensboro's gala opening night in September, 1928. The photo gives an unclear view of the roof sign, which apparently was framed by a narrow border of animated lighting. That frame was removed when the roof sign was renovated in 1946 for the re-named Elmwood Theatre:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/qgala.jpg

The Queensboro Theatre can be seen in the center background of this amazing eastward view of Queens Boulevard in January, 1930. The man standing next to the telephone pole is waiting for a streetcar. The center strip just beyond him is being excavated for the IND subway line. The two-story buildings at right still exist, and one even has the same tenant of the Frost pharmacy! The peaked house at left was eventually demolished for a round Macy's that now has Target as the main tenant:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/qboro1930.jpg

That IS an amazing photo, Warren! Is the peaked house at left one that was actually demolished for Macy's, or is it the one that stayed put because the woman who owned it wouldn't sell (causing the "notch" in the round building that still exists). That house was eventually demolished years later, but which one is it in this photo?

All I have to say is "Wow", that is some photo. It's hard to believe Queens Blvd once looked like that.
Jeffrey, I am not sure if any of those houses are the "old woman's" house.

In this June, 1950 ad, the Elmwood was the leader of the Interboro Circuit in western Queens. Although the Elmwood was "first-run" at that time, it was only for Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Rego Park, and only for programs that originated on the Loew's circuit. The same programs could be found at Loew's Woodside, Plaza, Prospect, Hillside, and Willard, as well as at the Skouras Forest Hills and Randforce Maspeth. And the same programs had played a week before that at Loew's Triboro in Astoria and a week before that at Loew's Valencia in Jamaica:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/hobart650.jpg

Thanks for sharing this, Warren! We were all looking forward to the restoration of the Elmwood's exterior by the Rock Community Church. In a Daily News article last winter, someone even said that it's being prepared by some of the best architects. However, I passed by the Elmwood last week, and I was shocked and heartbroken to see the green & yellow terra cotta lentils above the windows completely carted away, and a new white facade that closely resembles stucco, concealing the tarditional colored bricks. I called in & the person who answered the phone said that the facade is being repaired & wouldn't reveal any other information. Can everyone please call in, question what's going on, and voice your opposition to the plans? I think I'll call in again as well. There # is (718) 651-2950.

Here's a noteworthy ad from November, 1928. The claim of being "Long Island's Only Atmospherical Playhouse" was true unless one considered Brooklyn as part of Long Island. Brooklyn already had two atmospherics, Loew's 46th Street and the independent Fortway. In Queens, the Queensboro would soon lose its exclusivity with the openings of the Keith-Albee Flushing in late December and Loew's Valencia in January. Note also the mention of "Parking Space for 3,000 cars." I doubt if there were even 3,000 car owners in that part of Queens in those days, and they were hardly likely to visit the theatre at the same time:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/fazil.jpg

I regret to report that the historic facade details are increasingly being carted away on a daily basis, and replaced with stucco. The only part of the theater that seems to be in the process of being restored is the stage area of the auditorium. Passing by the Elmwood/Rock Community Church, is as if my heart has been pulled out. When you try contacting them, a volunteer answers. If you ask a question pertaining to the renovation work, he says it sounds suspicious, and then replies, "Well some people like modern design." As community residents, I feel we all have a right to know what is going on, especially from a church/community center. What a shame replacing character and a true work of art with mock "finish it by Thursday" facade elements. Shame on the Rock Community Church!!!

Looks like we lost another one.....they are currently dropping like flies now!! In the last year alone, the Trylon, the Elmwood, and so many others....the Commodore in Brooklyn at Broadway and Marcy is currently on death watch. Demolition permits were just issued, and the Hasidum that bought the theater (a working theater just 3 or so years ago), have destroyed the interior, and now the whole building may be coming down.
They are currently dropping like flies!

Stucco on the facade of the Elmwood? That is really disappointing. I had such high hopes when the folks at the Rock Community Church started to take on what looked like it would be a loving restoration. I understand funds are limited for the church, but to just sack the handsome terra cotta work that has graced the facade for 78 years and replace it with cheap stucco is a disgrace. Of course, that sabotages any thoughts on having the building landmarked.

Thanks, Ed! It would mean a lot if everyone can call in & voice your concerns and frustrations with the Elmwood's Rock Community Church. They can be reached at (718) 651-2950.

The DOB permit below indicates that they're "repairing" the facade with stucco & "dryvit." I learned that if the word sounds cheap, that's what it is!

http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobDetailsServlet?requestid=2&allisn=0001257621&allboroughname=&allnumbhous=&allstrt=

Their recent actions crushed many of our high hopes & contradicts restoration plans indicated in the Daily News article from last winter. Instead of working with the community, they're working against them. SHAME ON THEM! Please call in & post your progress report. Thank you!

I think the author of that article ought to be contacted by one of the interviewees for the piece and asked to write a follow up to call attention to the what's going on.

The author of two articles from January 2006 were Nicholas Hirshon of the Daily News & Adam Pincus of the Times Ledger. respectively, the links are as follows:

http://www.nydailynews.com/01-19-2006/boroughs/story/383881p-325879c.html

http://www.timesledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16008646&BRD=2676&PAG=461&dept_id=542415&rfi=8

In the articles, references are made to religious volunteers caring for the property, quotes from Councilwoman Helen Sears, & the Community Board. Warren and I are quoted.

I will contact the media shortly. Hopefully, a follow-up story will be out, and our frustrations will be put on the table.

P.S. There is no telling what will be done to the Elmwood next. First all the terra cotta lintels are carted away, then covered with stucco & "dryvit".....and now perhaps the rooftop balustrades and stone pottery, as well as the classic Elmwood rooftop sign will be discarded. We must press the issue!!!!

Would the scenario be the same if "the religious volunteers" at the Rock Church broke their mother's invaluable China set???

Why not try to maybe write a letter or something or petition to save the sign. Is there anyway that the sign can become a landmark? Thanks

I took photos while passing the Elmwood on a bus, & will share it with everyone shortly. I will try calling the Elmwood's Rock Church once again, & see what they have to say concerning the historic facade elements presently chiseled off. I advise fellow members to do the same, so I'm not the only one calling in.

According to a 9/14/06 CraigsList posting, the Rock Church is seeking interns, and needs sound & video lighting for what they refer to as "a beautifully renovated historic theater." While our wishes for the restored auditorium may have been granted, it baffles me as to how they can refer to it as "beautiful" & "historic," and fail to restore the exterior as well (from what I'm observing). Please follow: http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/cwg/207139322.html

I think the classic Elmwood sign will stay, but then again, there's no telling what may happen without landmark status. It might be a good idea for the sign to get designated. Thanks, "ShortyC!" I'll consider it based on a few more calls.

I recall the tilework on the Sunnyside elevated removed in the late 1990's, & cleaned and reinstalled. Does anyone think that the Elmwood would remove the terra cotta lintels and tilework above & in between the windows, clean/repair them, and reinstall it at the site? I rarely see restoration conducted in that manner. It would be a miracle (but since I see stucco being applied to the now unadorned facade, I doubt it).

...And here's a large photo that I found on flickr, showing early signs of the exterior work underway (without any detail removed):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gooseotter/187390782/

A July 17, 2003 article in the Queens Chronicle:

http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=9861211&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574995&rfi=8

It says the RC is excited about moving into the historical building. The classic Elmwood sign will stay, & a "surprise" will be added to the front. Hmm...

According to a March 28, 2002 Queens Chronicle article, Pastor Lydia Winthrow said "most of the two-story building’s external structure will remain intact." This also makes me wonder. Please access the following:

http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=3690281&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574995&rfi=8

Such lofty and noble ambitions back in 2002/2003. It's not encouraging that Community Board memeber Nick Pennachio didn't think the building "wasn't that beautiful." I'd love to have Nicholas Hirshon conduct an interview with the Pastor and ask her exactly what plans are for the building's exterior and how they reconcile with initial designs to keep it largely intact.

Here are a pair of photos taken by Mike Perlman (our own NativeForestHiller) as he was passing by on a bus the other day:

Shot 1
Shot 2

I'll leave it to him to comment further on these, but I think he's unsure as to whether the missing lintels are intended to be replaced or if they are gone forever. Workers might be preparing the facade for the presumably cleaned and restored lintels to be re-installed. What is so frustrating is the lack of comment by the Church on exactly what the plans entail for exterior renovation.

It will match the tacky mall across the street perfectly

Thank you very much, Ed!!! I will try contacting the center again, while referencing the lofty 2002/2003 facade ambitions in both papers. If you haven't already done so, please don't forget to contact the center to inquire, so I won't be the only one. Thanks! I am debating over whether to send out a press release. I want to have substantial and accurate information first.

Hi, I just registered...almost accidently but really out of curiousity. I have been with The Rock since the "basement" days 1998 to be exact. I would love to know who CP is???
Not only have we moved into these two outstanding facilities but we've extended ourselves into the heart of Miami, Florida. Following the vision originally given to us...a church in every city, in every state, across the world. The leadership is quite cautious in only seeking and taking direction from above. For those waiting to see, no worries! You will soon behold the GLORY of His strong hand. At this safe haven for our communities, they truly not only restore buildings (as mentioned in a earlier passage) they restore lives...one by one. Warren, your reviews are great!

Oy.

Welcome to Cinema Treasures, "Amazing Grace." The Elmwood Theatre's exterior is no way near to being restored. It's being completely concealed with lackluster stucco. 2002, 2003, & early 2006 news stories gave residents & enthusiasts a FALSE SENSE OF HOPE. Why conceal beautiful terra cotta, lintels, & tilework that had superb craftsmanship? The proof is as follows:

http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b110/GuanoReturns/Queens%20Movie%20Theaters/Elmwood%20Theater%20Elmhurst/

The following 2 photos illustrate my observations to a tee:

http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b110/GuanoReturns/Queens%20Movie%20Theaters/Elmwood%20Theater%20Elmhurst/?action=view¤t=IMG_3441.jpg&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch14

http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b110/GuanoReturns/Queens%20Movie%20Theaters/Elmwood%20Theater%20Elmhurst/?action=view¤t=IMG_3436.jpg&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch19

This is not a restoration but a devastation. Why should the Rock Church lie to the community? :( Please verify this. The community wants answers.

Thanks for posting those links, Michael. I meant to do so myself, but I've been so busy (in fact, I thought I already had posted them)! I took those shots a couple of weeks ago as workers were slopping on the stucco material around the old stage housing area. I approached a group of them to inquire as to the nature of the exterior restoration - particularly with respect to the decorative lintels that had been removed. I was told to speak with someone inside the church.

I entered via the current temporary entrance (the former rear orchestra fire exit on 57th Drive) and found a young gentleman seated at a folding table against the side wall just inside the inner door. There was some sort of classroom activity going on just behind the gentleman at the rear of the orchestra where similar folding tables were set up. Since there were children in attendance, I was understandably asked by the gentleman to hold our conversation in the small exit vestibule through which I had just entered. I was only able to take a brief glimpse at the work being done to the auditorium. The room is brightly lit and painted in white. My view was limited to the rear orchestra, with the balcony overhang obscuring the cieling and proscenium work. The most notable feature that caught my eye would be the wrought iron balustrades at the rear of the mezzanine level, overlooking the rear orchestra.

Once in the vestibule, I explained that I was a resident of Elmhurst in my youth and had attended many a movie at the old theater and would be interested in taking a quick tour of the theater and discussing restoration plans with someone in authority, whenever it was convenient for the church. He suggested I call the number posted on the marquee and try to make for arrangements. He didn't give me any particular names to ask for, but suggested I call around 6pm or so. My schedule has not allowed me to follow through on that suggestion yet, but when I do, I'll be sure to post about it right here.

From the looks of things, I'm not encouraged about the prospects of a true exterior restoration. The stuff they are applying to the exterior reminds me of the old "Garden State Brick Face" material that used to be advertised all over local TV for quick and cheap exterior home remodeling back in the '70's and '80's. It's a substance that is applied to any facade in a thick layer and then sculpted and painted to give the appearance of whatever style the customer wants. In the case of the Elmwood/Rock Church, seems to me like it is being carved into the look of faux limestone. And then with those new colonial looking window frames... Sigh. A real disappointment.

Holy crap!!!!! it's a complete sin what they are doing! they completely destroyed the front of the building!

They have completely DESTROYED the terracotta for some cheap looking "brickface" covering! How in the world can they have done such a thing!! They have cemented into the terracotta where it hasn't been removed! It's a travesty!! Shame on them!! The photos are horrifying!

It's an abomination!!
http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b110/GuanoReturns/Queens%20Movie%20Theaters/Elmwood%20Theater%20Elmhurst/?action=view¤t=IMG_3434.jpg

This was apparently not the first theatre in Queens to be called the Queensboro. During the World War I era, there was a cinema named the Queensboro on Hunter Avenue in Long Island City, but I have yet to find a more specific address than that.

Here are some photos from the recent Forgotten NY tour of Elmhurst:

http://www.forgotten-ny.com/tour27/27.html

Scroll down 1/4 & see current photos & a description documenting the desecration of the Elmwood Theatre's facade. They promised to restore the facade in 2003. This development is an appalling, particularly coming from a religious institution. They might call themsleves Rock Church of "Faith Ministries," but I have no faith in them! They turned their back on the community & now they deserve the same!!!! The previous contractor walked off the job since they never paid him for his work. He agrees that it looked better before, and felt bad they made him do it. The Rock Church is a pack of lies & filled with controversy! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!

I did some brightening of one of the images displayed at Forgotten New York, and I'm not wholly convinced that the front facade of the Elmwood is being desecrated. This is obviously a project that is still a long way from completion, and I see a considerable improvement to some portions of the facade. Along the top, for example, steam cleaning or sandblasting has uncovered beauty that was covered by grime for decades. I presume that this will eventually be done to the entire facade now obscured by scaffolding. The controversial white strips around some of the windows might only be temporary protective covers. In some places, they might be covering empty spaces left by damaged stonework that had to be removed for repair or duplication.
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/elmwood1.jpg

When I called up the construction company (that walked off the job), they said the Rock Church wanted a more modern design for the facade & then agreed that it looked better before. The top portion might stay, but the terra cotta work, lintels, and tiles are being modernized with stucco. I assume it's less costly rather than repairing what was there. However, I am baffled as to why they wouldn't take advantage of tax credits & state matching grants for rehabilitating the facade properly.

Warren, your assessment is optimistic. Did you call up the Rock Church & find out? They might reveal more info to you, since they know you better. I recall that you visited a couple of times a few months back. Please let us know what happens. Thanks!

How can the Rock Church take advantage of tax credits? They're a church -- they don't pay any taxes.

I'm not too sure of the technical aspects entirely, but I know that religious institutions have taken advantage of programs put out by the NY State Historic Preservation Office (State/Nat'l Register). Grants from the Sacred Funds Program have been provided to various religious institutions who wish to restore their buildings.

Are you kidding? The building has been stuccoed over. The terra-cotta that was not removed is now ruined under a layer of concrete. The only original ornamentation is at the top, which yes, does look to be cleaned, but the rest of the building is destroyed.

Warren... take a look at some of the photos of the Elmwood from my photo album here. I took these in October and included some close-up shots. I tried to look at them optimistically, just as you do now... but the evidence doesn't look good. I think they're going for a cheap makeover of the exterior facade and looking to avoid the possibility of landmark designation - which many property owners see as a burden.

I passed by on Friday and saw the intact detail on the very top being stuccoed over. More exterior elements are being concealed, and it's just getting worse. Sorry to share this bad news. has anyone tried contacting the Rock Church? Please let me know.

This is just wrong. I too am surprised that they didn't take advantage of the tax credits. The Rock Church is pretty much erasing history. I really hope they keep the Elmwood sign and even light it up (if that doesn't happen then I just lose all hope and there should be a community dispute if that were to happen). I would have expected a different outcome coming from a religious institution.

Here is a photo of the theater taken sometime between 1939 and 1941, though the photo was most likely taken in 1941. The theater at that time was known as the "Queensboro." The marquee and lobby displays are empty, so apparently the theater was closed at the time. Perhaps around now the theater was renamed the "Elmwood."

This photo is from the NYC Municipal Archives collection. Between 1939 and 1941 from 700,000 photos were taken by the City of New York for tax purposes.

Please check my comments to see more photos from this collection.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o91/youngnyer1/QueenboroTheater.jpg

What the heck is this? A post that's NOT about the RKO Keith's Flushing?

Wow. Just look at Queens Blvd in the distance!

The theatre was closed at the time of the Municipal Archives photo. I think it closed in 1939 (or 1940 at the latest), but there had been frequent and extended periods of closure from the time the Queensboro opened in 1928. It was pretty much closed from 1939-40 until it re-opened in 1946 as the Elmwood. The only exceptions were in 1944 and 1945, when the Queensboro had short seasons of stage plays as part of the "Subway Circuit." Very little of Queens Boulevard can be seen in the photo. The street in front of the theatre is Hoffman Drive, which begins at the junction of QB and 57th Avenue and continues at least as far as Woodhaven Boulevard.

And a rare view at the marquee and rooftop signage (obscured though the latter may be) featuring the Queensboro name.

The "status" needs to be changed. The ex-theatre is now very much "open" as a church, and can be visited whenever services are being held. On Sundays, it's usually from about 12 noon until 2:30 or 3:00 PM. Even after the service ends, people tend to linger on for socializing.

Despite a name change to Elmwood in 1946, the theatre did not do much better business than the unlucky Queensboro, due to late-run bookings and an under-populated neighborhood that was also short of shopping facilities that might draw patrons from other areas. But the Interboro management held on in anticipation of "clearance" changes resulting from the Federal anti-trust action against the Hollywood monopoly. That finally happened for the Elmwood in March, 1949, when it was granted equal status with some of the Loew's theatres in Queens. Even though the Elmwood would still be playing two weeks behind Loew's Valencia and a week behind Loew's Triboro, it could show the same programs as those at Loew's Woodside, Hillside, Willard, Prospect, and Plaza. In effect, that made the Elmwood "first-run" for some of the surrounding areas where Loew's did not have theatres. Here are two ads showing the territory covered by the Elmwood. Loew's immediately protested the first ad and Woodside was dropped in favor of Winfield. Also, the first ad neglected to mention the Elmwood's own neighborhood of Elmhurst, so the second ad deleted Middle Village. Unfortunately, the Elmwood went first-run just as home television was starting to decimate theatre attendance, so it was not really until the 1960s and the introduction of saturation "Premiere Showcase" release that the Elmwood became a moneymaker:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/elmwood4901.jpg
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/elmwood4902.jpg

Hi guys i am a member of THE ROCK CHURCH for quite a while and i dont know if anyone of you are interested in visiting our website www.therockchurches.com or you just want more info regarding the future of our church "building" email me @ ferjll@hotmail.com please write "cinema treasures info" as the subject and I ll be more than glad to answer all your inquiries.

PS. our services are Sundays @ 11:00 am, Saturdays @ 7:00pm and fridays @ 7:30pm + we many other activities for the community open to everybody free of any charge.

The last movie shown at the Queensboro Theatre was a revival of "One Third of a Nation" (1939), which was presented on March 8th and 9th, 1941, in support of a stage show topped by Bob Fritkin's Laurel-in-the-Pines Country Club Orchestra and Elsie the Cow. This was the last in a series of Saturday & Sunday film/stage bookings advertised as "Long Island's Best Amusement Buy." A coupon deal enabled patrons to buy two tickets for the price of one. By this time, the Queensboro was closed the rest of the week. Upon closing after the last show on March 9th, the Queensboro remained shuttered except for brief seasons of "Subway Circuit" stage plays in 1944 and 1945. In 1945, the Interboro Circuit purchased the Queensboro and re-opened it as the Elmwood in 1946. Here's an ad for the Queensboro's last stand as a cinema: www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/qbfinal.jpg

For at least part of 1938 and starting on January 12th, the Queensboro Theatre was open only on Wednesday nights for a 14-week series of bingo games sponsored by Elmhurst's R.C. Church of the Ascension, according to advertising in the Newtown Register. Game cards were 40 cents each. Prizes worth a total of $1,500 were to be given out during the season. There was also a weekly door prize of a trip to Bermuda or $50 in cash, as well as an "early bird prize" of $10 presented at 8:30 PM sharp. At the end of the series, there would be bonus prizes of a fox fur piece (or $100 in cash) and a 1938 automobile (donated by a local dealer).

I drove past the site last weekend. The exterior side of the building on 57th Avenue has been whitewashed to match the renovated Queens Boulevard frontage. The QB entrance is still boarded up, and parishoners must use a side door on 57th Avenue.

A Link theater organ size 3/10 was installed in the Queensboro Theater in 1928.

The exterior hasn't been whitewashed, but completely concealed with stucco which most of us dread.

Well, at least someday that stucco can be blasted off to reveal the terra cotta elements beneath. Unfortunately, I believe the original window lintels and decorative scroll and wreath motif just below the cornice were all stripped from the facade and thoughtlessly discarded. I haven't been there in a while... does the stucco stop at the dentil molding at the base of the cornice? That seemed to be the direction the work was heading when I photographed the building back in October of last year. And then I believe the entire cornice was to be "whitewashed" to match the color of the stucco.

As unfortunate as the choices were for the exterior renovations, has anyone been inside to check up on the interior restoration?

Hi Ed! You have a point by stating that the stucco can be blasted off someday to reveal the remainder of the terra cotta. The cornice and roof balustrades have sadly been covered with stucco as well. I haven't been inside. The Rock "Community" Church has made a great case for their laziness and greed on behalf of the Elmwood, especially when they committed to restoring it in 2003-2004 with "volunteers." Sad!

What an ufortunate story.

I remember photographing this building in the 90's when it looked to be a pretty bustling and well-maintained four screen complex.

These church jokers really messed up bad.

Can anyone ID this theater on the north side of Queens Boulevard near 78 AVENUE, taken in 1932. Photo is located in Forest Hills section, page 8 of this web site:
http://www.queenspix.com/

Theater appears closed.

J.F. Lundy... I think the photo depicts the Fox Kew Gardens Theatre. The location definitely matches what we know about the Fox.

The photo shows a portion of the ill-fated Fox Kew Gardens and was once displayed at the CT listing for that theatre. See also a later one that I posted there myself on 2/21/06.

Thank you Ed and Warren for your prompt identification !

I joined this group because i though this was a "mature and Smart" group of people but, please!!! guys stop with the name calling and criticizing a group of people you know nothing about or perhaps.... you think your LIFE'S TOO SHORT and you wanna spend it trash talking others!! + we take very seriously OUR CHURCH we dont JOKE about it, im sorry you dont like the renovations but i dont know if u have any idea how expensive it is, just so you know all that dreadful renovation (as you call it) was made possible by the donations that we all happilly and joyfully give in many ways and not just by giving money!! Hey! i wonder if maybe some of you would've ACTUALLY helped us not just by talking and emailing unsincere offers!! but with something concrete!! we could've renovate and preserve it the way it was, and Michael how could you call us lazy and greedy" when we work 7 days a week non stop not even in holidays because everyday after a hard day at our jobs and schools we go to OUR CHURCH to work some more because we are not afraid of rolling up our sleeves, get dirty and sweat a little more, while others take time to make silly sarcastic remarks like:

(""The Rock "Community" Church has made a great case for their LAZINESS and GREED on behalf of the Elmwood, especially when they committed to restoring it in 2003-2004 with "volunteers." Sad!"")

(""These church jokers"")

Yes!! all the work is being done by VOLUNTEERS 'cause we all are VOLUNTEERS, not even the pastors get paid, just keep in mind that all the work is being done while we have Service and congregate 7 days a week + having many community services, events and outreach programs that are completely FREE of charge open to anyone and you know what?; we need more VOLUNTEERS (know anyone?); I understand that maybe is hard for some of you to empathize or sympathize with us and our beliefs but as they say "If you have nothing nice to say, (PLEASE!!) don't say anything at all" , it would be nice to receive an apology for your comments to show the person of good character that im sure you are. i apologyze if i've offended anyone it was not my intention at all but, as you may have noticed by now im a little insulted so A SINCERE SORRY... to all.


+++ Warren: thanx for your concern, comments and constructive criticism is very well receive and appreciated and all i can say for now is that nothing is definite yet!; perhaps you would like to visit our website which was also made possible by volunteers +++ www.therockchurches.com

Fernando, I visited the auditorium last Sunday, but did not file a report here since the work still looks far from completed. I was pleased to see that the turret on the left side of the stage has been restored, but there is still an empty space where a castle veranda used to be. Perhaps it was destroyed during the sub-dividing of the theatre and is too expensive to replace? I didn't know that all work is being done by volunteers. I applaud you for that. I think that if the church hadn't taken over, the building would have been demolished by now. The cosmetic changes may not please some people, but at least the Elmwood/Queensboro has survived.

Fernado, I tried sending you e-mails (as well as others) with a sincere proposal telling you how the majority of us felt, and you said you would make sure it would end up in the right hands, but I never heard back since. Why should I apologize, if I feel it was wrong to commit to a restoration in 2003-2004 (with the press), get people's hopes up, and proceed with just the opposite?

The terra cotta facade and tilework did not have to be concealed with stucco, and other facade elements did not have to be carted away for the trash. My proposals contained ways to fund a proper restoration. How could priceless antiques of an extremely rare & significant Queens heritage site, which required some restoration work, be destroyed further (by stucco)? I am baffled.

Being dedicated towards the future and character of Queens, I am still willing to work with you, and help the church restore faith in the community by eliminating the stucco and revealing the original tilework. I know of agencies/non-profit orgs who can help.

While it's great that the building did survive, the exterior destroying of the entire historic terra-cotta and woodwork on the windows is a travesty. It's now just like any other non-historic non-descript exterior building, lost all it's historic features unncessarily. Yes, it's better than had it been destroyed, but you could have saved a lot of money, and at the same time kept a historic building's exterior had you just not covered/destroyed the beautiful historic fascade of that building.
Yes, you are to be commended on saving the building, and maintaining it, and hopefully restoring what's left of the interior after the multiplexing of the theater....but unfortunately what happened on the outside clouds the whole project. There was no reason to cover over the exterior of that building.

Such a beautiful facade, lost forever:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3/jpm55/Elmwood70.jpg

(Repost photo originally posted by Jeffery1955 above on this page)

Here's another photo of the beautiful front of the building before it was destroyed. What a gem it would have been....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gooseotter/187390782/

Fernando... I, for one, am extraordinarily grateful that the Rock Church came along and saved the Elmwood from an uncertain fate (RKO Keith's anyone?), but I don't think that the restoration path chosen for the exterior of the building is beyond critical analysis. That all this work has been done by volunteers is a tremendous credit to the Church and its congregation. Kudos and my sincere respect to all involved. However, I find (as do others) it extremely disappointing and frustrating that the beautiful original exterior - which appeared to be in very good condition right up to the end - was destroyed rather than preserved.

I hope that you don't hold those opinions against those who have elected to post them here. I can understand your taking issue with the tone of some of the comments or the insulting asides that have been posted here by some, but understand that this is a website that is open to free discussion by all who wish to participate. As a result, the opinions expressed in this forum will inevitably run the gamut from respectful and well articulated to belligerently offensive - and everything in between. Please do not indict the entire board because you find a few of the opinions or comments to be critical or even disrespectful of the church's plans and actions.

I think you need to develop a thicker skin Fernando.

When you did that work on the building, you drew the attention of the preservation community. Now you are hearing our opinions.

Think of it as being like a new movie release. A movie comes out and journalists everywhere have opinions about how good or bad the movie is.

Volunteer labor is commendable, and I am glad the building was not demolished. But I think the work you carried out on the exterior exhibits extremely poor judgment. That is my opinion, and there is no reason I should have to apologize for it.

I don't appreciate you trying to heap shame on us for voicing our displeasure.

"insulting asides" are part of the spice of CT. I've zinged a few myself.

Here are three photos that I snapped yesterday. The main entrance still looks a long way from being re-opened, but the bulk of the marquee has apparently been removed. In the second photo taken on 57th Avenue, the reddish brown door was the entrance for stage perfomers. When I was a child and the Queensboro presented plays, I often stood outside that door and collected autographs, including those of Gloria Swanson, Zasu Pitts, and Ruth Chatterton. The boarded up portion at the right of the photo covers the former loading entrance for scenery and props. In the third photo, the roof sign appears to have at least two broken spots, at the bottom of the "L" and at the top of the second "O." The neon tubing in the letters was long ago removed.
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/church1.jpg
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/church2.jpg
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/church3.jpg

Thanks for sharing the photos and your memories, but it's unbelievable what was done and how they lied to the community.

Ugh!!! They took off the marquee too! It looked so good on there with their Rock Church sign!
How did we go from this beautiful sight to what they did to it now....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gooseotter/187390782/

The parcel of land between Hoffman Drive and Queens Boulevard that was once occupied by a Mobil gasoline station is now vacant and surrounded by wire fencing. I wonder if something will be built there? If tall enough, it would obscure views of the Rock Church.

Stage shows have returned to the former Queensboro/Elmwood, with free performances being given this weekend:
www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18955669&BRD=2731lPAG=461&dept

Thanks, Warren. However much we might disagree with the unfortunate choices made in the renovation of the Elmwood's exterior, the Rock Church is to be commended for its efforts in restoring the interior of the old theatre - not only in terms of architectural preservation but of functionality as well.

just wait until its done ,it will be breathtaking ,and you guys will be overwhelmed ...it is going to be amazing ...a place not only of entertainment but where the broken can be healed ,lives restore and helped, it will be just a glimpse of God's goodness ,he repairs teh broken ruins and fragmented ,naturally and spritually and makes them his work of art ...

just wait and see .
tenderly
darls c

I am not doubting any of the above, but God could have done that behind the once beautiful terra-cotta facsade too....

No, it won't be breathtaking.

I hope the building serves your purposes well. But your group really messed it up.

The roof sign is in the process of being renovated. "Elmwood" remains at the top, but two more rows of lettering of equal size (but different style) are being added below that. When I passed by earlier today, the sunlight happened to be so dazzling that it was reflecting off the new lettering and making it impossible to read, but I assume that it gives the name of the church. I hope to return soon with camera to verify.

That's some good news. I'm delighted that the sigh will be retained - even if somewhat altered. I'm hoping the new lettering will be in keeping with the overall design of the original sign.

New Pictures!!

http://www.esnips.com/doc/5711f1c3-d05a-43f3-9b46-a59d4632d831/07-1002
http://www.esnips.com/doc/84b20567-3226-4118-aca1-b0c55a300ace/07-1001

They'll have to fix the "R" in Rock Church. It doesn't seem to illuminate fully and looks like "Pock Church" in the long shot. I hope the "ELMWOOD" lettering will remain - even if they don't decide to restore illumination. Should I be encouraged by the fact that the original letters are still up there or discouraged that the clashing font and color of the new signage might spell doom for the original?

The letters in "ELMWOOD" had all the neon tubing removed long ago, so I doubt that it will be restored. Also, some of the individual letters have breaks in them. I would guess that at most, the church will repair them and perhaps treat them all to a new paint job to protect them from corrosion...And thanks, Fernando, for those pictures, which save me a trip to take some. It's comforting to see a holy cross hovering over the so-called "Boulevard of Death."

The sign works fine now the R now looks like an R i took those pictures the first day they were testing them. + the main entrance is almost done.

new pictures

http://www.esnips.com/doc/0c688f3b-deb5-415d-ac58-4d74e0eec7e7/IMG_6660
http://www.esnips.com/doc/4789cbcd-6aaf-4703-9f23-f4ddb11b6a45/IMG_6665

These are new direct links to images that I posted above on 7/10/05:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/123-2399_IMG.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/124-2415_IMG.jpg

Sad how a promised restoration of one of Queens' most historic theaters now symbolizes a McMansion with artificial stucco known as "dryvit." Kudos for retaining the sign, and the balustrades and ornamentation near the roof though.

Great links, Warren!

Lets hope we have more luck with the Ridgewood Theater.

A new direct link to a 1946 image showing the recently opened Elmwood Theatre's marquee and modernized entrance. The boxoffice had been moved to the sidewalk from the lobby. Entrance doors and poster cases were of burnished aluminum. The surrounding walls were decorated with blue mosaic tiles and a smattering of other colors for design effects:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/137-3773_IMG.jpg
This image shows newspaper coverage of the theatre's grand opening as the Queensboro in 1928. The framework holding the marquee in place was later used for the Elmwood replacement:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/qgala.jpg

This is still very much a renovation-in-progress. Here's an exterior photo taken yesterday (5/11/08): http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/church508.jpg

Here are two ultra-rare images from a brochure published in 1928 by Wirth and Hamid, the company that built and first operated the Queensboro. W&H was best known at the time for its extensive interests in Altantic City, including the Steel Pier. The turret at the right side of the stage survives. A similar turret at the left side of the stage was destroyed in the multiplexing of the Elmwood Theatre, but efforts are being made to replace it in the ongoing renovations by the Rock Church:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/qboro08a.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/qboro08b.jpg

I still can't believe all that beautiful terra cotta work is gone. Native's comparison to the many McMansions that are going up all over Queens is spot on. I guess at this point we just have to accept the fact that this is the direction the church chose to go with the exterior - ill advised and regrettable as that choice may have been - and remain thankful that they are attempting to restore the interior to something resembling its original splendor. This entire structure could have been quite easily sold and gutted - or even demolished for re-development.

While driving by the other day, I noticed that the front entrance on Hoffman Drive has finally been re-opened, though work continues on the re-designing of what remains of the marquee.

I noticed the same thing. I drove by the Elmwood about 3 weeks ago. The loss of the terra cotta is a travesty, but at least the building does remain, I guess it could have been worse.

Has anyone been inside the "church" to see what the interior of the theater looks like now?

Here's a dance video shot on the premises in 2008, with background glimpses of the auditorium and rehearsal rooms: http://www.youtube.com/user/worldclassdancers

Here is a 1982 photo.

Two more photos from 1982

Photo1

Photo2

I've been reading comments loaded with complaints regarding the fading beauty of the Elmwood. I took a look at the following recent dance recital http://www.youtube.com/user/worldclassdancers#p/a/u/0/HXq2tIqWyHw
and can only marvel at the positive energy and commitment to creativity of teens in the video. This is exactly what a theater/church space should be used for. The whining over the physical demise of the structure runs on endlessly, but while the whiners drone on, it seems there is beautiful flowering of community and art within the building.
PG

And they could have had the same "flowering art and positive energy to creativity" within the building without destroying the historic terra cotta exterior as they did. While I am glad the church is in the building, and that it's still set up like a theater, what we have now instead of a historic beautiful terra ctta building it's a typical nondescript faux exterior.

I'm with Bway on this one. Not sure where you come from pvgriswold. But everyone is entitled to voice their opinion. It is nice that the building is in use. But if you don't want to hear complaints about terra cotta destruction I suggest that it might be better for you not to visit historic preservation web sites. Everyone here likely judges this work as butchery, and I don't think any amount of talk regarding community builiding or the Good Lord is going to change that.

Correct. And no one is upset the church is in there....I think it's great, and it's great the building has great use. But that is irrelevant to a discussion on what they did to the exterior of a beautiful old historic building. The building now looks like any other nondescript, "cheap" looking modern building that has a crappy faux stucco exterior. It may as well been built in "2005" as it's no different than any other crappy construction new building put up. It lost it's historical beauty.

I second the well-phrased comments of Bway & Life's Too Shaort. It was a shame how the Rock Church told the media the facade is being restored, and then went behind the public's back and covered over and removed priceless ornate terra cotta detailing. The theater was "stuccotized."